Foot and Mouth Outbreak Forces Government to Spend E40 Million
More money needed as farmers face movement controls
Government has confirmed that the Foot and Mouth Eswatini outbreak has forced the country to spend E40 million so far, as officials rush to contain the disease affecting livestock.
The money has been committed to emergency response efforts led by the Ministry of Agriculture and the National Disaster Management Agency. The outbreak is still active, and government says the situation is not yet under control.
Officials revealed that while E40 million has already been set aside, another E57 million is still needed to buy Foot and Mouth vaccines. This means the total cost could rise sharply if the disease continues to spread.
This is why people are talking. Foot and Mouth Eswatini directly affects farmers’ livelihoods and the country’s food supply. When livestock movement is restricted, farmers struggle to sell animals, and meat supplies tighten. That pressure often ends up hitting ordinary households through higher food prices.
Government says strict containment measures are in place, including checkpoints and movement controls in affected areas. Farmers have been urged to cooperate fully and follow instructions from veterinary officials.
According to government, the response is being coordinated to prevent the disease from spreading further across the Kingdom of Eswatini. Officials warned that ignoring containment rules could make the outbreak worse and increase the final cost to the public.
The outbreak comes at a time when many emaSwati are already under financial pressure, making the extra spending a concern for taxpayers. While the funds are meant to protect the livestock sector, government has not said when the vaccination programme will be fully funded.
For now, the Foot and Mouth Eswatini outbreak remains an ongoing battle. Government says it will continue working with farmers and officials on the ground, but admits more money will be required before the disease is brought under control.
No timeline has been given for when the outbreak will be fully contained or when movement restrictions might be lifted.
